Ireland Inspiration for Cozy Mystery Lovers
These are some cozy mysteries set in Ireland that make us feel like we traveled to the Emerald Isle, had some “craic” and then solved a murder:
Murder in Galway
A Home to Ireland Mystery series by Carlene O’Connor
New Yorker interior designer Tara Meehan travels to Galway, Ireland to honor her mother’s final request and meet her uncle. However, once she arrives, she encounters one mystery after the next and stumbles over a dead body. Now to protect her uncle’s name and business, she must uncover the truth - despite the danger.
We loved the combination of tragedy and humor throughout the book and were rooting for Tara immediately. It was extremely well-paced and kept us on our toes as we worked to decipher the clues along with Tara.
2. How to Fake an Irish Wake
A Mags and Biddy Genealogy Mystery by Eliza Watson
After her Irish grandmother’s wake, Mags Murray is asked to take on a genealogy mystery that her grandmother would have solved and help a young man find his biological father. However, when an attempt on this man’s life is made, Mags needs to solve this attempted homicide too - and hope that she doesn’t become a victim!
We loved the main character’s humorous commentary on her life and stories from her past. It also felt like a double mystery since it began with a question about a missing father and led to an attempted murder. Are these mysteries RELATED? You’ll have to read it to find out.
3. Murder in an Irish Village
An Irish Village Mystery series by Carlene O’Connor
In the small Irish village of Kilbane, County Cork, Siobhán O’Sullivan has her hands full caring for her five siblings and family bistro after the tragic death of her parents. However, when she finds a dead body and her brother becomes a prime suspect, Siobhán needs to focus on investigating to save those she loves.
Yes, Carlene O’Connor is one our list twice. It’s because she writes such lovely mysteries set in Ireland. We loved Siobhán’s complicated relationship with garda Macdara Flannery and the different personalities of her siblings, as well as the choice of murder weapon in this book.
4. Dead in Dublin
The Dublin Driver Mysteries by Catie Murphy
American Megan Malone is enjoying her time in Ireland, working for Leprechaun Limo Service, until a client of hers drops dead next to the famous statue of Molly Malone. When her chef friend might take the blame, she begins to investigate, but the search for clues becomes complicated as more is learned about the victim and as Megan gets roped into helping a Jack Russell Terrier and her puppies.
It was fun to read about Dublin and see how an American limo driver interprets the strange goings-on. We enjoyed the mystery, but the scene stealers of this book were definitely the adorable newborn puppies.
5. Buried in a Bog
A County Cork Mystery by Sheila Connolly
Honoring her late Irish grandmother’s wishes, Maura Donovan leaves Boston to visit the Irish village of Leap. She hopes to meet friends from her grandmother’s past, but instead learns of a body recovered from the nearby bog. While working at the local pub, she begins to learn more about the town and its secrets.
We loved the setting of this story and the descriptions of the Irish countryside. The mystery unravels slowly and Maura is hesitant to get involved, but we enjoyed following her journey.